Preliminary site prep and pier base

Two part mold, the lower box is rectangular about 12" high and this supports the upper pier mold

Completed pier and start of 8 sided observatory base

First of the side walls and close-up of pier top with bolts

Dome setup for covering with .020" Alum flashing

Dome opening  24" wide  close-up ( Comment, I should have made it 30-36" wide ) 

Observatory base (4 ft high) before covering with shingles  and the Dome DOORS, This is the simplest of DOOR structures. 

Completed Dome and Observatory  (note: the interior height is about 7 1/2 ft)

 Sinse completion I have added a Motor Drive to the dome that is coupled to the telescope   via infrared beam (Radio Shack-49-551  infrared photorelay sensor) that reflects off the edge of the opening and  controls a relay driven motor and belt pulley system, so that when auto guiding long exposures the  dome will move as needed, to keep the opening centered.

Pictures by Ted Agos          EMAIL    lester@ziplink.net